Did you know that Ergotron is behind the world’s first ergonomic workstation? It was called MacTilt and could be used to manoeuvre monitor bases. The idea came to Harry Sweere (Ergotron’s founder) in 1982, in his basement, no less. The vision was to create a stand to support better postures for computer workers. That was the beginning. Ergotron’s monitor arms and other gadgets are rampant in healthcare projects today. In the past forty years, Ergotron has also become a champion of the ‘sit-stand’ style worklife.
From left to right: Harry Sweene, Founder, Ergotron; MacTilt – Ergotron’s First Product
What is the ‘Sit-Stand’ Style Worklife?
Doctors and medical professionals know the benefits of such a dynamic work setup. Their long working hours make it an absolute necessity. But in the current scenario, are doctors the only ones working overtime? Comparatively, other professions might not work as long, but the advantages can still be leveraged.
Sit-stand desks and desk converters, and monitor arms have been scientifically proven to improve productivity and concentration and increase creativity. How? While standing, some of the body’s largest muscles work, promoting increased blood flow to the brain. A sit-stand desk can also prevent neck, shoulder and back pain. In the past decade, monitor arms have gained traction too. Benefits like evasion of eye-strain, promoting better posture and comfort while standing and superior adjustment settings to prevent neck pain, make monitor arms an essential in today’s worklife.
From left to right: WorkFit-Z Mini, WorkFit-TL Standing Desk Workstation, and WorkFit-S Dual Monitor
The contemporary lifestyle hardly makes exercise inescapable, and the consequences are poor posture and muscle atrophy. A simple, only desk setup can be the inconspicuous cause of chronic pain in the lower back, neck, shoulder, and wrist.
Ergotron’s WorkFit range is an ideal solution here. The WorkFit-Z Mini, WorkFit-TL, Standing Desk Workstation, and WorkFit-S Dual Monitor are sit-stand desk converters that cater to various requirements and could help elevate employee experiences. In this light, Ergotron’s monitor arms portfolio is a steal as well. Let’s have a look..
Monitor Arms: Ergonomics for Health and Collaboration
Collaboration is the ‘IT’ girl of workspace design right now. And that’s good news. But while designers know furniture must adapt to collaboration, what about desks? Digital screens are canvases for working professionals, and there should be provisions to collaborate better with them.
“TRACE™, recognised with the prestigious iF Design Award 2023, is essentially a unique design of a monitor mount solution that enables the user to unfold their desired way of working”, Kleopatra Kivrakidou, Marketing Manager, EMEA, says. “It intuitively adjusts between tasks and postures to encourage movement and collaboration, making sure the user meets ergonomic and productivity standards they need to maximise their performance.”
The latest addition to Ergotron repertoire NX Monitor Arm is impressive, too. Ideal for lighter weight screens, the NX Monitor Arm boasts a clean and sleek design that makes even the back of the set-up look sophisticated. Be it homes or offices, the NX Monitor is a valuable asset that fuses looks with functionality. But this is far from Ergotron’s first stab at monitor arms. Out of the lot, the LX and HX Monitor Arms are perhaps one of their most popular pieces.
While the HX Monitor Arm range is specifically tailored for heavy weight screens, the LX collection is the go-to for versatility for multiple monitor mounts. Each of these gamuts come with variables that can be wall-mounted or desk-mounted. Further, Ergotron’s patented Constant Force™ technology makes manoeuvring the screen a low effort task – whether one wishes to move the screen up, down, right, left or centre, it all glides smooth as butter.
Top: LX Desk Dual Direct Arm; HX Desk Monitor Arm with HD Pivot
Bottom: NX Monitor Arm, LX Dual Side-by-Side Arm
Erik Seemann, Senior Channel Account Manager at MEA, adds, “We see today’s workplace as a place for collaboration and individual activities. People are working less in fixed positions and selecting a location that fits with the activities they have to process. The ergonomic factor has a positive impact not only on the employees’ health but also on their efficiency and output.”
“We see today’s workplace as a place for collaboration and individual activities. People are working less in fixed positions and selecting a location that fits with the activities they have to process. The ergonomic factor has a positive impact not only on the employees’ health but also on their efficiency and output.”
– Erik Seemann, Senior Channel Account Manager at MEA
Ergonomics are Essential – More than Just a Theory
In his time in the region, Erik has observed a steady spike in the importance of ergonomic working solutions. Netizens have realised the gravity of aids that maximise comfort. Monitor arms, especially, even aid in desk organisation and consequently, curating environments conducive for work. Yet, getting decision-making bodies to invest in products that offer such convenience is still tricky.
“We installed several Ergotron products for demo purposes, and we’ve seen more and more Middle East companies showing serious interest in ergonomic solutions,” he states. “The biggest challenge this year is to convince an even larger demographic of their effectiveness. There have been times when we have seen a Return on Investment in only two weeks. Employers need to know what they are missing out on.”
As the team gears up to spread awareness, it would not be an exaggeration to say that an impressive armoury backs them. Ergotron’s wide range of products encompasses solutions for various pain points. From simplifying collaboration to promoting agility and even prompting organisations, the panoply is worth a browse.
“We installed several Ergotron products for demo purposes, and we’ve seen more and more Middle East companies showing serious interest in ergonomic solutions. The biggest challenge this year is to convince an even larger demographic of their effectiveness. There have been times when we have seen a Return on Investment in only two weeks. Employers need to know what they are missing out on.”
– Erik Seemann, Senior Channel Account Manager at MEA
Ergotron products are available in several partner showrooms selling office furniture solutions in the Middle East. The company also provides a “library” of Ergotron products in AutoCAD available for designers and interior architects to use in their office drawings.
